A look at the different types of countertops available and their benefits, downfalls and price ranges.
Updating your kitchen is quite a project and it can be quite expensive. No matter what your budget is, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the right products for your taste, lifestyle and pocketbook. One of the biggest expenses in any kitchen remodel is the countertop. The following types of countertops will help you decide which product is right for you.
Laminate – The name Formica is often used to describe laminate, but Formica is actually a name brand, much like Kleenex. Laminate countertops are more versatile than any other as they come in an astounding array of colors, finishes and patterns. There are even corner and edge treatments that give them a different feel. They’re also very reasonably priced.
Stone – The stone category includes a lot of countertop materials that have been very popular in the last several years. Granite is one of the most common and popular and it’s incredibly durable and also carries an incredible price tag. Marble is equally popular and expensive, but it’s not quite as durable, in fact it’s considerably softer than granite. Soapstone has lost a lot of its appeal because it’s so soft and leaves wear marks.
Stone Compound – Stone compound countertops are the industry’s response to the rabid granite and marble trend, and give the user a solid, sturdy surface that resists wear and is more cost effective than its stone counterparts. Stone compounds are created from pulverized quartz blended with polyester binding and come in a variety of different colors and patterns.
Ceramic Tiles – An attractive countertops solution, ceramic tiles are moderately prices and fairly durable. The tiles can chip, but having one tile replaced is fairly inexpensive. The biggest complaint people with ceramic tiles have is the grout can be difficult to clean. The best part of ceramic tiles is their versatility, as you can mix and match almost any color in any pattern you want.
Solid Surfaces – Another product that often goes under a specific brand name, Corian, but there are several companies that make countertops out of solid surface materials. This alternative is very durable, they resist germs and clean easily. They also come in a large variety of colors, but can be quite pricey.
Butcher’s Block – This old favorite wears beautifully and has its own charm and character that no other countertop can match. But a solid block of wood is not the most practical kitchen surface, it mars easily, holds in germs, and stains readily.
Concrete – This is the newest trend in countertops, in fact, not only in countertops but in floors as well. Concrete is seen as a durable surface that can be stained, combined with aggregate, stamped with patterns, blended with pigments, or inlaid with gems or trinkets. The expense depends on what technique you decide to enhance the product with. The durability is similar; generally it’s incredibly strong, but if you have it inlaid with fragile items those items stand a good chance of breaking over the years.
By using the information listed above you should be able to, at least, narrow down your choices and begin researching the patterns, colors, and prices that best suit your home’s needs.
